Green Revolution Startups Aim a Million-dollar Kickstart

Apr 30 , 2024


[ssba-buttons]

Ethiopia's fight against waste and the promotion of a circular economy received a 1.6 million dollar boost to empower young entrepreneurs focused on lowering waste generation and promoting environmental sustainability. Reach for Change and the IKEA Foundation have joined forces, launching a three-year project that aims to support reusing, repairing, and recycling materials. Building on a successful pilot project that created over 150 jobs, the new program seeks to empower a total of 105 green businesses. Elsabeth Tsegaye, program manager at Reach for Change said they will receive crucial support, including training, coaching, access to markets, and equity-free funding ranging from 5,000 dollars to 10,000 dollars to help them develop sustainable business models and expand their operations. This initiative comes at a critical time. Ethiopia currently struggles with low recycling rates and underdeveloped markets for recyclable materials. The program recently unveiled finalists from its previous Green Business Incubator, including Husky Energy & Technologies and Askema Engineering. During the launch event held at Hyatt Regency, Africa Avenue (Bole Rd), some of the participating startups showcased their innovative ideas, such as transforming plastic waste into building materials.


Radar

Construction Sector Faces 'Serious Trouble,' Minister Warns

The construction industry in Ethiopia is in "serious trouble," said Chaltu Sani, Minister of Urban & Infrastructure Development, citing major challenges with finance, competitiveness and material costs. Speaking at the opening of the BIG 5 Construct Ethiopia expo and the inaugural East African Infrastructure & Water Expo at Millennium Hall last week, Chaltu stressed the need for concerted efforts from government, private sector, and international partners to support the 67 billion dol...


Radar

Wegagen Bank, Gift Real Estate Partner to Promote Diaspora Homeownership

Wegagen Bank S.C. and Gift Real Estate Plc. signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on June 23, to offer housing loans for homebuyers, with a special focus on the Ethiopian diaspora. The agreement enables eligible diaspora members to access loans covering up to 80pc of a home's value at reasonable interest rates. The bank's Deputy CEO Kidane Gebreselassie noted the deal will promote the real estate sector and expand homeownership options. Founder and CEO of Gift Real Estate, Gebreyesus Igata...


Radar

Jimma University Signs Sports Science Agreement to Strengthen National Programmes

Jimma University has signed a four-party Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ethiopian Academy of Sciences, Derartu Tulu Sports Training & Research Institute, and the Oromia Youth & Sport Bureau to advance Ethiopia's sports science and training capacity. Signed on June 26, the agreement includes joint research, shared facilities, and hosting of national and international competitions. It is expected to strengthen youth development, public health, and national pride through coor...